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Industry Watch

The New Trend in Protective Equipment
by: AFM Editorial Staff
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There has been much advancement in the game and profession of football throughout its history – advancements such as the forward pass, film study and television. Today, football is currently experiencing one of its greatest advancements in one area of the sport.

Walk into any football facility at any level and you’ll see products that you would have never seen just a decade ago. It’s not uncommon to see a digital video camera and lap-top computer on the practice field breaking down a kicker’s plant foot or to see an offensive lineman working on his form on an indoor position-specific blocking sled-like weight machine. The products that are being designed, built and marketed to the football industry today are becoming more customized and specific based on research and feedback from the football community.

And nowhere is this more true than the helmet and shoulder pad industry. “The manufacturers are listening a lot more to people that are on the front lines,” said Dale Strauff, president of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association. “I see a cohesive effort especially with protective equipment manufacturers and those on the front line.”

Within the last fifteen years manufacturers have been working with coaches, athletic trainers and equipment managers to determine what is working, what is not working and what could be better in protective equipment. “They are listening to the people that are right there, living it everyday and know what might make the product better,” Strauff explained.

“The great thing about it – it’s not a sales pitch. It’s not a situation where they wine-and-dine you – it’s all educational. They listen to the ideas and the problems and institute changes where needed.”

In a time where the responsibilities of helmets and shoulder pads are no longer just intended to provide ultimate protection from on-field collisions, manufacturers are working with coaches, equipment managers, athletic trainers and other athletic professionals to design better equipment. This would include aiding in heat management, moisture management and performance, in addition to being lighter and more durable.

This has been done due to the open lines of communication between manufacturers and athletic professionals and with the addition of new technologies in materials and designs.

Schutt Sports
“They (athletic professionals) have a lot of influence in our products,” said David Jones of Schutt Sports, located in Litchfield, IL. “We are always searching for ways we can make our products more effective when they hit the field.”

Schutt Sports recently released its new DNA helmet and Impact shoulder pads. The Schutt DNA is a 2004 Sports Products of the Year Finalist and utilizes advanced cushioning materials for maximum protection and increased comfort.

Schutt also offers the new Impact shoulder pad that uses space-age technology to absorb, transfer and eliminate moisture and heat; and they are lighter, stronger and allow greater mobility than traditional shoulder pads.

GEAR 2000
“The game has changed dramatically,” said Ed Tobergte of GEAR 2000, located in Hayes, KS. “If we’re on the ball as designers, if we can understand that players are bigger and faster and lighten the load (of protective equipment) and still provide protection, manage moisture and have some effect on heat, I think it’s better for the athletes and the game.”

GEAR 2000 recently released their new shoulder pad system, Z-Cool, which aids in managing moisture and heat. Z-Cool technology uses airflow activity to accelerate evaporation, body cooling and drying using waterproof beads that aid in keeping the athlete dry and cool. These same beads also play a role in providing protection. Upon impact, each bead tries to separate the adjacent beads sideways, deflecting energy away from the body and thereby absorbing impact.

Adams USA
“The bottom line is this – at the end of the day, everybody’s goal is to make the best equipment for the player and the only way to do that is for everybody to work together,” said Gary McNabb of Adams USA located in Cookeville, TN. “They (athletic professionals) are the experts, they are our eyes and ears.”

Adams USA released the new Pro-Elite helmet, which incorporates advancements in design – some of which were brought about through its relationships with equipment managers, coaches and athletic trainers. The newly designed shape of the Pro-Elite helmet significantly reduces weight and the Venturi vents allows for air circulation and heat dissipation.

The Future
If recent history is any indicator of the future, advancements in quality shoulder pads and helmets are bound to make an impact in the game. Manufacturers know and understand the importance of working with coaches, equipment managers and athletic trainers in developing products that not only provide protection, but also aid in the performance of athletes.

“I’m really, really excited about the future of protective equipment. I wish I had more time in the profession to see it to the end,” said Strauff. “Competition is good for everyone.”





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